Greenery issue triggers verbal duel at Khanugaon

Bhopal: A visit to Upper Lake by members of Bhopal Citizens Forum (BCF) triggered a verbal duel between them and local residents of Khanugaon.

Demanding dismantling of retention wall being built at most places within 50 metres full tank level (FTL) of the Upper Lake, BCF members visited the area around 10 am on Sunday. Soon, locals residents gathered around Bagh-o-Bahar. When local objected to the presence of BCF members, it led to heated arguments.

“Wall was under construction for two years, why was BCF silent till now. Their intentions are full of malice and if they were so bothered about it, they should have lodged their protest earlier,” said local corporator Mohammed Saud. BCF argues that retaining wall is a threat to the ecosystem of the Ramsar site. “Locals are opposing because their homes are under threat,” said a BCF representative. Eventually, BCF members returned and are likely to take up the matter with Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials. BCF members said if their concerns regarding Upper Lake were not addressed, they would take a legal recourse.